Comanche, defending champion LawConnect lead early in Sydney to Hobart yacht race

SYDNEY (AP) — Comanche took an eight nautical-mile lead over defending line honors champion and fellow 100-foot super maxi LawConnect early in the Sydney to Hobart yacht race on Thursday.

LawConnect, which led the 104-yacht fleet out of Sydney harbor, gave up the lead when a furling line malfunctioned, but managed to recover, having suffered a similar problem early in last year’s race.

Reigning overall handicap winner Alive became the first yacht to retire from the 628-nautical mile (722 miles, 1,160 kilometers) race. The 66-footer quit off Wollongong in New South Wales state with engine and electrical issues.

The fleet was expected to make a fast start down the New South Wales state coast in a northeasterly breeze before a wind change hits Bass Strait overnight, bringing strong winds and possible showers.